'Once in a generation' chance, says Hill

Page Tools

The victory of Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce gave
the government an unprecedented opportunity to implement its
mandate, Government Senate leader Robert Hill said today.

Senator Hill welcomed Senator Joyce to the fold.

His election gives the government an absolute majority of 39
Senators and means it no longer requires the support of any other
party or independent member to pass any measure.

"The government now has a once in a generation opportunity to
fully implement its mandate, which we will do in the interests of
all Australians," he said through a spokeswoman.

Australian Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett said this meant
Labor, the Greens and Democrats could not prevent the passage of
bad legislation or even ensure it was properly scrutinised.

"It will be more important than ever that the Democrats and
others inform the public of what laws the government is proposing
and harness public opinion to try and force the government to
listen," he said in a statement.

Senator Bartlett said he expected a number of bills rejected by
the Senate would now reappear.

That includes unfair dismissals, cross media ownership and
harsher measures for disabled pensioners.

"The prospect of a coalition controlled Senate for three years,
with no check on what legislation is passed, should show exactly
why the Democrats were so important in the balance of power," he
said.